Katie Claims Carroll Captors "Not as Vicious"

http://newsbusters.org/node/3980 | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

by Mark Finkelstein

February 10, 2006 - 07:55

Perhaps inspired by the discovery of new species in New Guinea, Katie Couric has made a discovery of her own: a new breed of terrorists that are "not as vicious."

She interviewed NBC reporter Richard Engel on this morning's Today show in the wake of the release of a new videotape of Jill Carroll, the US journalist kidnapped in Iraq last month. The tape showed a composed Carroll speaking with a floral backdrop behind her. Katie, ever the fashion maven, declared "it's actually kind of a pretty setting." Engel explained that the captors appear to be sending the message that they are looking to negotiate.

It could well be that for tactical reasons, the kidnappers might want to talk rather than kill at this time. But Couric took things a giant step further, interpreting their actions as reflecting that, deep down inside, these are killers with a warm 'n fuzzy side. She suggested to Engel:

"As far as you know, this particular splinter group is not as vicious as some of the others we've seen in the past."

Engel let Couric down easy. "Yes," he responded at first, but then let reality creep in:

"I don't think you can take too much comfort in that. Because she's still under their complete control and this group can change their opinions very quickly. Right now there's something of a vote going on on extremist websites where they're asking people, asking the followers whether they think Jill Carroll should be killed or whether she should be kept alive and unfortunately the majority of the people who are writing into these web sites said that they think she should be killed."

We'll cut Katie slack for wanting to hope for the best in this anguishing situation. But can Couric really believe that these terrorists, reportedly former members of Saddam's barbarous security services, wouldn't kill Carroll in a heartbeat if it suited their purposes?

Couric displayed the kind of naivete that can be lethal when dealing with terrorism.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show/NewsBusters ping.

[DustyMoment]

Katie Claims Carroll Captors "Not as Vicious"

I'm sure Ms. Carroll's family will sleep easier knowing that.

[joonbug]

The Perky One should volunteer to join the hostages so she can see first hand what a nice group of guys those terrorists are.

[Supernatural]

"Not as Vicious"

Yet!

[airborne]

Maybe she would be willing to take part in a prisoner exchange.

[COUNTrecount]

Couric displayed the kind of naivete that can be lethal when dealing with terrorism.

Great qualification for replacing Dan Rather ! Go for it, SeeBS.

[Lee'sGhost]

"But Couric took things a giant step further, interpreting their actions as reflecting that, deep down inside, these are killers with a warm 'n fuzzy side."

Oh, I get it, they're becoming liberals. All the hate but without the guts to actually do anything.

[onyx]

She's as dumb as dirt and just as filthy. What a colossal dolt.

[Carolinamom]

It's a travesty that Katie is paid millions to voice these sentiments. 'Perky' and 'cutesy' does not apply to someone like her speaking about terrorists who hold the life of their prisoner in the balance. Would SHE think this way if it were HER daughter? I can only imagine how the parents of their innocent daughter must feel on hearing this twit.

[peyton randolph]

Hmmmmm....might they not be as vicious because the kidnapping is fake and the 'journalist' is a dupe for Islam?

[maggief]

Here's the "pretty setting" ...

[TomGuy]

In a thread yesterday, New Video of Kidnapped Reporter Surfaces, there was much speculation of the smell of fish.

I heard Carroll's statement via ABC Radio News. She did not sound unduly stressed or under duress. Others in the thread had similar reactions.

After that female German captive got home with a stash of marked ransom cash a few months ago, we have become more skeptical of some of these 'capture' reports.

This capture is smelling of fish. The floral background and Katie's keen sense of fashion regarding Carroll only adds fuel to the speculation that Carroll might be a willing accomplice.

[ExcursionGuy84]

No Truer words, me 'earty.

Like an "old proverb" goes:

"A Conservative ain't nuthin' but a Liberal that's been mugged, abused or betrayed."

[mkjessup]

"The affable Eva Braun of morning television"* strikes again, speaking of something she knows nothing about.

* - Thank YOU Ann Coulter!

[reagan_fanatic]

The tape showed a composed Carroll speaking with a floral backdrop behind her. Katie, ever the fashion maven, declared "it's actually kind of a pretty setting."

Good God - why does the MSM parade such blazing stupidity and cluelessness in public like that? Does Katie really draw in that much viewership that the Today honchos let this stuff pass?

[SJSAMPLE]

Here blood will certainly add some color to that background.

After that, I wonder if Katie will revisit her comments?

[Mo1]

Right now there's something of a vote going on on extremist websites where they're asking people, asking the followers whether they think Jill Carroll should be killed or whether she should be kept alive and unfortunately the majority of the people who are writing into these web sites said that they think she should be killed."

The terrorists are taking a poll ???

And Katie as usual is Stuck on Stupid

[mrmargaritaville]

Yeah right Katie-and to demonstrate the fact that they are not as vicious they will start using a sharp knife to behead hostages, instead of the dull ones like the one used on Nick Berg.

[Charlespg]

Stupid B****